Cincinnati firefighter Daryl Gordon and Officer Sonny Kim died earlier this year in the line of duty. Both of the long-serving first responders will be honored by City Council with parks named in their memory.

Under the proposal, East Park Commons in Hyde Park would be renamed Police Officer Sonny Kim Memorial Park. The initiative also includes a plan to rename the Queensgate Recreation area for Darryl Gordon, along with Oscar Armstrong, who died in 2003.

“I think it’s great to keep their memory alive because the work that they did will be remembered forever," said Karen Berndt as her young nephew, Benjamin, was on as park swing this afternoon. “So now, you have a physical presence.”

Cincinnati’s fire chief seemed genuinely moved by the gesture.

"They played in our communities, and it gives the kids a chance to look at who were these people,” Fire Chief Richard Braun said. “They were just like me, and they dedicated their lives to help others and ended up giving the ultimate sacrifice. They sacrificed their lives to save other members of our community. I think it just adds to the whole aura of those areas.

“We also remember when we go by those areas and those parks. And it also gives you a good feeling that it kind of re-establishes what we’re here for.”

Wednesday’s City Council vote will formalize the decision.

Thursday, firefighters will gather as they do each year to honor those who have paid the ultimate price, a list that includes FAO Gordon this year.